Search

“Everyone has their own personal mountains to climb. We never know what is around the corner” Charlie Bird said after his global Croagh Patrick fundraiser. Charlie’s journey has been amazing and when he spoke that night on The Late Late about his dream to climb the Reek, something tingled inside Andy Walsh’s body, but it wasn’t one of his usual MS Sensory symptoms, this was something different.

In March 2020, Andy was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and a journey began, alongside a world that was just getting to grips with the Coronavirus pandemic, he began to climb his own personal mountain.

Having a chronic incurable illness like MS can be a lonely experience. As much as those who don't have it do their best to understand it, only other MSers will truly 'get it'. I was offered three sessions with a counsellor after I was diagnosed but I remember sitting and wondering what do say to this nice woman who doesn't have MS but is here to help me? Maybe I just wasn't ready, but I was curious to meet other people around the same age. To see how they were coping. I did eventually.

The idea of life as a carer can be scary. It wasn’t a role I necessarily ever saw myself in but when my wife, Kathleen was diagnosed with MS 22 years ago I knew that no matter what she needed from me – I would do anything in my power to support her. I have never seen caring for Kathleen as a choice. When she needs me, I am there.

University College Limerick are conducting a study with the aim of gaining consensus on a core outcome set for evaluating mixed diagnosis falls prevention interventions for people with Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease and Stroke (information sheet below). Participation would include the completion of a maximum of three survey rounds (which take approximately 15 minutes) and optional attendance at an online meeting where the final core outcome set will be agreed. If you are interested in taking part please email Nicola.OMalley@ul.ie

MS Ireland is supporting World Brain Day 2022 and this year’s dedication of ‘Brain Health for All’

MS Ireland welcomes the publication of the Sláintecare Integration Fund End of Programme Report which set out the achievements of the 123 projects funded through the Sláintecare Integration Fund, including Active Neuro which was delivered by MS Ireland.

Summary of key asks for Budget 2023

• An increase of €600,000 in annual investment in the National MS Care Centre
• Sustainable funding for national physiotherapy services for people with Multiple Sclerosis, and other neurological conditions totalling €880,000 per annum across all 9 CHOs
• Provision of a further 100 neurology nurses in order to address unacceptable waiting periods, delays with diagnosis and treatment, with at least 20 to be provisioned in Budget 2023
• MS Ireland echoes the budget recommendations of Family Carers Ireland, the Neurological Alliance of Ireland and the Disability Federation of Ireland.

Liam Morrissey Msc. Ergonomics student at the University of Derby is conducting a study exploring the impact and usability of using exergames for exercise in MS patients.

My name is Shirley I'm 47 years old and I am living in Monkstown, Dublin. I was diagnosed with Relapsing Remitting MS 4 years ago now first receiving my diagnosis on the 4th of July 2018. Being diagnosed felt like a relief, it wasn't really a huge shock to me as my Aunt Jo had been living with MS. I had a feeling a year before my diagnosis as I was experiencing symptoms for a while, blurred vision, vertigo, and weakness in arms were the main ones.